Hello Anthony and @d.cochran

I don't have the $1000.00+ budget for the printer, but I hear the message. That is why I am looking for the best way to go vs cost. I am a tinkerer so I also want something which can be upgraded. The basic design and mechanical quality needs to be there. I assume axis motors and extruders and other parts can be upgraded and adapted to what is on the Solidoodle, but not sure on the DaVinci.

@ d.cochran, I hear Solidoodle 4 is being phased out. Is there any real special parts which I would need to be concerned about getting. I have the ability to make parts (access to a small machine shop). I know you spoke of the brackets that broke but is there anything else? They may drop the price next month so I may get one during the clearance. Still undecided.. Ron

The 4 their entry level builder product. From the email I got from them about a month ago, they are going to keep it around. Their new printer is designed to drop in place and not mess with. It does self leveling on every print. That's not me. They also have the other two which add a couple of other features.

I watched some you tube videos on the Press and I didn't feel confident with it. I started watching videos thinking I might go with that machine, but after the videos I wasn't impressed. I still think the 4 is the way to go. The 4 seems proven out and we know the weak areas and fixes. The other two added cost and don't match my wants. Bells and whistles.

Now I will be watching for prices.. Thanks for the info.

Ron

@d.cochran Hi Dave,

Is there a lot of printed parts used on critical areas on your printer? I know there is a lot of steel used. I assume the enclosure, and maybe some supports are metal. Some Youtube videos showed some rough printed parts in critical areas. Has that quality improved? I don't want a plastic support system on the printer I buy which will cause problems.

I am still watching the 4. Price is the last issue.

Ron

Here are a list of the 3d printed parts that I see while looking at the printer.

Z axis adjustment screw knob and bracket - Pretty weak and could be changed out Y axis back rod center bearing holder Y axis idler bear holders (these are the ones that I reprinted much stronger) X axis - every part that holds a bearing that slides along a rod is 3d printed. I haven't had any issue with these.

Thanks. I assume a spare could be printed or fabricated out of metal for some of the parts. Files are available for all? Again thank you for taking the time to help me out.

Ron

PS: Some day I may ask you for more about how to do Scripting (101).

The original parts are not available to be printed, however there are better parts.

http://www.thingiverse.com/search/page:1?q=solidoodle&sa=

You would just need to find the parts you want to reproduce there.

Also, I would be happy to help on the scripting. I will be away for a bit, but would be happy to help out when I get back.

Thanks, Ron